Methods and apparatus to agitate a liquid

ABSTRACT

Method and apparatus to agitate a liquid are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a carrier having a base that includes a ridge extending from the base and a collar extending from the base. The example apparatus also includes a container supported on the base, the container movable between (A) a locked positon in which the ridge fixedly engages the container to non-rotatably couple the container to the base and (B) an unlocked position in which the container is disengaged from the ridge and the container is rotatable about the collar.

RELATED APPLICATION

This patent arises from a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/347,556, titled “METHODS AND APPARATUS TO AGITATE A LIQUID,” filedNov. 9, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. Application No. 13/801,154(now U.S. Pat. No. 9,535,082), titled “METHODS AND APPARATUS TO AGITATEA LIQUID,” and filed Mar. 13, 2013, both of which are incorporatedherein by this reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to fluid analyzers and, moreparticularly, to methods and apparatus to agitate a liquid.

BACKGROUND

Automated analyzers are used to analyze samples including biologicalmaterial gathered from patients for diagnostic purposes. Generally,analysis of a sample involves reacting the sample with one or morereagents in a liquid container. Some automated analyzers store reagentsin containers on a carousel. When a particular reagent is needed, thecarousel is rotated to move the container holding the reagent to beadjacent an aspirating/dispensing device. The carousel moves byaccelerating and decelerating, which subjects the reagents to rotationalforces that could cause microparticles to be suspended in the reagents.However, some of the microparticles in the container may accumulate atthe bottom of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates an example cartridge that is holding a plurality ofexample containers and which is coupled to a portion of an examplecarousel with a first container in a first position.

FIG. 1B illustrates the example cartridge of FIG. 1A with the firstcontainer in a second position.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the A-A line of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the example cartridge and containers ofFIGS. 1A and 2 decoupled from the carousel and sealed.

FIG. 4 illustrates a plurality of seats for the example containers ofthe example cartridge of FIGS. 1A-3.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the lower portion of the examplecontainers and cartridge of FIG. 2 decoupled from the example carousel.

FIG. 6 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of a top portion of anexample first container and the example cartridge taken along the B-Bline of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the first container of FIG. 2 in anunlocked position.

FIG. 8 is a top, cross-sectional view of the example first containertaken along the C-C- line of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the example first container takenalong the D-D line of FIG. 3 and removed from the example cartridge.

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the example first containertaken along the B-B line of FIG. 3 and removed from the examplecartridge.

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative bottom wall of the example firstcontainer of FIGS. 6-9.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the example bottom wall of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart representative of an example method disclosedherein.

Some of the figures or some of the portions of the figures may not be toscale. Instead, to clarify multiple layers and regions, the thickness ofthe layers may be enlarged in the drawings. Wherever possible, the samereference numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) andaccompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts. Asused in this patent, stating that any part (e.g., a layer, film, area,or plate) is in any way positioned on (e.g., positioned on, located on,disposed on, or formed on, etc.) another part, means that the referencedpart is either in contact with the other part, or that the referencedpart is above the other part with one or more intermediate part(s)located therebetween. Stating that any part is in contact with anotherpart means that there is no intermediate part between the two parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus to agitate a liquid such as,for example, a liquid reagent in a container of an automatic diagnosticanalyzer, which may be, for example, a clinical chemistry analyzer, animmunoassay analyzer, and/or a hematology analyzer. Some reagents usedin automatic diagnostic analyzers include a liquid and microparticles,where the microparticles are to be mixed and, in some examples,substantially uniformly dispersed in the liquid. Automatic diagnosticanalyzers typically rotate reagent containers or bottles about an axisand the rotation imparts forces on the contents of the containers to mixthe contents. Traditional reagent bottles are cylindrical and includeinternal fins that are used to mix and disperse particles in the liquidof the reagent.

The examples disclosed herein use rectangular, rounded rectangular orsubstantially rectangularly-shaped reagent containers. The examplesdisclosed herein achieve uniform mixing and dispersion of reagents suchas, for example, reagents including microparticles. These disclosedexamples provide greater space utilization in diagnostic systems thanmany known configurations. As a result, using examples described herein,analyzers can have an increased load capacity and/or smaller size,compared to many known systems. In some examples, one of the containersor bottles is about 20 millimeters (mm) deep, about 36 mm wide and about92 mm high. Other examples may have other dimensions. Another advantageof the disclosed examples is that the example bottles can be createdwith fabrication techniques such as, for example, blow molding, thatreduce cost compared to the fabrication techniques of many knownconfigurations.

In the examples disclosed herein, flat opposing sides of the examplebottles create a mixing action in a liquid in the bottle in response toacceleration and deceleration of the bottles. An example bottledisclosed herein is rotated about its central longitudinal axis in anoscillating manner. In addition, the bottle is coupled to a cartridgethat is rotated about a rotational axis of a carousel. The bottle and acap include features, as disclosed herein, that provide bearing surfacesfor rotation of the bottle. The bottle may be composed of a material ormaterials to enable one or more surfaces of the bottle to function as adisposable bearing. In some examples, the bottle may be composed of ahigh density polyethlyene that has excellent wear characteristics andwhich can withstand, for example, a 30-day on-board use period (e.g.,continuous use on a diagnostic analyzer) with negligible wear. Theacceleration and deceleration and the rectangular walls impart forces onthe liquid in the bottle to promote mixing of the contents of thebottle. A rounded or curved bottom of the interior of the bottle alsoaids in mixing by creating upward motion on particles that mayaccumulate at the bottom of the bottle as a result of settling thatoccurs when the bottle is stationary. More specifically, centrifugalforce created by the rotation of the bottle moves such settled particlesout from the center of the bottom of the bottle and lifts the particlesas the particles follow the contour of the bottle bottom. In someexamples, visible confirmation of a uniform mixing is achieved in aboutone minute of oscillating motion. Other mixing periods and oscillationrates may be used depending on the reagent(s) used, the microparticle(s)used, the diagnostic test(s) to be conducted and/or other factors.

Disclosed herein is an example apparatus that includes a base, a firstend wall and a second end wall. The example apparatus also includes afirst container and a second container having a rounded rectangularcross-sectional shape and forming a rounded rectangular block i.e., abar-shaped object having rounded edges (collectively referred to as arounded rectangular shape). In addition, the example apparatus includesa first container support to retain the first container The examplefirst container support includes first posts to engage a first rim ofthe first container to non-rotatably couple the first container to thebase. Also, the example apparatus includes a second container support toretain the second container. The example second container supportincludes a collar to engage a groove of the second container and a ridgeto engage a second rim of the second container. The example secondcontainer is selectively rotatable relative to the base.

In some examples, the example apparatus also includes a third containersupport to retain a third container. The example third container supportincludes second posts to engage a third rim of the third container tonon-rotatably couple the third container to the base.

In some examples, the apparatus is to rotate about a first axis ofrotation, and the second container is to rotate relative to the baseabout a second axis of rotation.

In some examples, the second container is movable between a lockedposition in which the second rim of the second container is engaged withthe ridge to non-rotatably couple the second container to the base andan unlocked position in which the second container is raised so that thesecond rim is disengaged from the ridge and the groove is rotatableabout the collar.

In some examples, the apparatus includes a cover having a first apertureto access the first container and a second aperture to access the secondcontainer.

Also disclosed herein is an example apparatus that includes a firstsidewall and a second sidewall substantially parallel to the firstsidewall. The example apparatus also includes a top wall coupled to thefirst sidewall and the second sidewall. The example apparatus furtherincludes a bottom wall opposite the top wall and coupled to the firstsidewall and the second sidewall. The bottom wall has a first side todefine a cavity to hold a liquid. The example apparatus also includes aprotrusion extending from the first side of the bottom wall toward thetop wall.

In some examples, the protrusion is disposed on a center of the bottomwall. Also, in some examples, the protrusion is disposed on an axis ofrotation of the bottom wall. In addition, in some examples, theprotrusion has an apex disposed along an axis of rotation of the bottomwall.

In some examples, the example apparatus includes a third sidewall and afourth sidewall opposite the third sidewall. In this example, the thirdsidewall and the fourth sidewall are curved.

In some examples, the bottom wall has a first radius of curvature, andthe protrusion has a second radius of curvature different than the firstradius of curvature. In some examples, the first radius of curvature isoriented in a first direction and the second radius of curvature isoriented in a second direction different than the first direction.

In some examples, the first sidewall includes a rib extending toward thesecond sidewall. Also, in some examples, the apparatus includes a postdepending from a first side of the bottom wall. In such examples, theprotrusion extends from a second side of the bottom wall. In someexamples, the post defines a plurality of notches. Also, in someexamples, the notches are engageable with a rotation mechanism to rotatethe apparatus about an axis of rotation aligned with the concaveportion, i.e., coaxial with a central axis of the concave portion.

In some examples, the first sidewall includes a first planar portion andthe second sidewall includes a second planar portion. In addition, insome examples, the example apparatus includes a third sidewall and afourth sidewall opposite the third sidewall. In such examples, at leasttwo of the first sidewall, second sidewall, third sidewall or fourthsidewall include a rim to engage a ridge on a carrier to hold thecontainer in a non-rotatable position.

Also disclosed herein is an example method that includes lifting a firstcontainer from a first position in which a rim of the first container isengaged with a ridge of a carrier and a groove of the first container isengaged with a collar of the carrier to a second position in which therim is disengaged from the ridge and the groove is engaged with thecollar. The example method also includes rotating the first containerabout an axis of rotation and mixing contents of the first container. Insuch examples, the contents are mixed by a first substantially flatsidewall of the first container and a bottom protrusion of the firstcontainer.

In some examples, the example method includes non-rotatably supporting asecond container on the carrier while rotating the first container. Inaddition, in some examples, the example method includes lowering thefirst container to the first position to non-rotatably couple the firstcontainer to the carrier.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an examplecartridge 100 coupled to a carousel 102 of a diagnostic analyzer. In theillustrated example, the carousel 102 includes a platform 104 on whichthe cartridge 100 is supported. The cartridge 100 may be transported toand/or placed on the platform 104 manually, by a robotic device, via aconveyer, and/or via any other device and/or technique. During operationof the example carousel 102, the platform 104 and, thus, the cartridge100 rotates about a first axis of rotation 106 along a substantiallycircular path 108 defined by the carousel 102. In some examples,multiple cartridges are coupled to the platform 104.

In some examples, the platform 104 moves periodically or aperiodicallyin one direction, e.g., in the direction of path 108. In other examples,the platform 104 moves in a back-and-forth (e.g., oscillating) motion.For example, the platform 104 may repeatedly move a first distance in afirst direction (e.g., clockwise) and then a second distance in a seconddirection (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite the first direction. In someexamples, the first direction is greater than the second direction suchthat the cartridge 100 on the platform 104 revolves about the first axisof rotation 106 via the back-and-forth motion. In some examples, afterthe platform 104 moves in the first direction, the platform 104 issubstantially stationary for a given amount of time before moving in thesecond direction.

In the illustrated example, the cartridge 100 includes a base or carrier110, a first container 112, a second container 114 and a third container116. In some examples, there may be other numbers of containers,including, for example, one, two, four, five, six, etc. Also, in someexamples, one or more containers may be divided into a multiplecompartments to increase the number of compartments on a carrier. Thus,a carrier could include three containers, and one container could havethree compartments so that there are a total of five compartments on acarrier. Other combinations are possible. In the illustrated example,the carrier 110 is coupled to the platform 104 to rotate with theplatform 104. The example carrier 110 includes a seat 118, a first endwall 120, a second end wall 122 and a cover 124. In the illustratedexample, first ends 126, 128, 130 of the first container 112, the secondcontainer 114 and the third container 116, respectively, are coupled tothe seat 118, and second ends 132, 134, 136 of the first container 112,the second container 114 and the third container 116, respectively, arecoupled to the cover 124.

In the illustrated example, the first container 112, the secondcontainer 114 and the third container 116 are arranged in the carrier110 radially relative to the circular path 108 defined by carousel 102.In the illustrated example, the first container 112 is disposed adjacentthe first end wall 120, the third container 116 is disposed adjacent thesecond end wall 122, and the second container 114 is disposed betweenthe first container 112 and the second container 114. The examplecontainers 112, 114, 116 have rounded-rectangular shapes. In otherexamples, the containers 112, 114, 116 have other shapes (e.g.,rectangular, square, cylindrical, triangular shapes or other suitableshapes). Each of the containers 112, 114, 116 is to hold a liquid. Insome examples, the liquid includes a sample to be analyzed, one or morereagents and/or solid particles (e.g., latex coated paramagneticparticles and/or other microparticles). The example cover 124 includesthree apertures 138, 140, 142 to provide access to the containers 112,114, 116. For example, the liquid may be deposited into and/or removedfrom the first container 112, the second container 114 and the thirdcontainer 116 via the respective apertures 138, 140, 142. In someexamples, the first container 112, the second container 114 and/or thethird container 116 have about the same liquid volume capacity. In otherexamples, the first container 112, the second container 114 and/or thethird container 116 have different liquid volume capacities. The firstcontainer 112, the second container 114 and/or the third container 116may be filled with the same amount or different amounts of liquid.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the example cartridge 100 as the firstcontainer 112 is rotated relative to the carrier 110 about a second axisof rotation 144. In the illustrated example, the first container 112 iscoupled to the carrier 110 to enable the first container 112 to rotatewith the carrier 110 about the first axis of rotation 106 and relativeto the carrier 110 about a second axis of rotation 144. In someexamples, the rotation of the first container 112 relative to thecarrier 110 corresponds to the movement of the platform 104. In theillustrated example, as the cartridge 100 moves in the first directionwith the platform 104, the first container 112 is rotated tworevolutions relative to the carrier 110 in the first direction. As thecartridge 100 moves in the second direction with the platform 104, thefirst container 112 moves one revolution relative to the carrier 110 inthe second direction. In this manner, the first container 112 moves in aback-and-forth and/or oscillating motion relative to the carrier 110.The above-noted numbers of revolutions of the first container 112relative to the carrier 110 in the first direction and the seconddirection and the manner (e.g., the back-and-forth movement) in whichthe container moves relative to the carrier 110 are merely examples. Inother examples, the first container 112 rotates relative to the carrier110 in other manners, numbers of revolutions, directions, etc. In someexamples, the first container 112 rotates fully about the second axis ofrotation 144, and in some examples, the first container 112 oscillatesback and forth about the second axis of rotation 144. Also, in someexamples, the first container 112 moves about the second axis ofrotation 144 while the carousel 102 is stationary relative to the firstaxis of rotation 106.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the example cartridge 100 coupled tothe carousel 102 taken along the A-A line of FIG. 1A. The examplecartridge 100 is removably coupled to the carousel 102 via the carrier110. In the illustrated example, the platform 104 includes a first prong200 and a second prong 202 to engage corresponding structures (e.g.,apertures, female connectors, etc.) on the carrier 110 and hold thecarrier 110 in place relative to the platform 104. In other examples,the cartridge 100 is removably coupled to the carousel 102 in othermanners (e.g., via one or more clamps, clips, bolts, snaps,spring-loaded pins, and/or other mechanical fasteners).

In the illustrated example, the first container 112, the secondcontainer 114 and the third container 116 each includes a throat 203,205, 206 (e.g., a tube or pipe in fluid communication with one of thecontainers 112, 114, 116) in communication with (e.g., extending into)one of the apertures 138, 140, 142 of the cover 124. During operation ofthe example carousel 102, liquid may be dispensed (e.g., deposited)and/or aspirated (e.g., removed) from the containers 112, 114, 116 viathe throats 203, 205, 206 (e.g., via a pipette).

In the illustrated example, the second container 114 and the thirdcontainer 116 are coupled to the carrier 110 such that the secondcontainer 114 and the third container 116 are substantially stationaryrelative to the carrier 110 during operation of the carousel 102 (e.g.,as the platform 104 moves the cartridge 100 along the circular path108).

In the illustrated example, the carousel 102 includes a coupling 210 torotate the first container 112 relative to the carrier 110 about thesecond axis of rotation 144. In the illustrated example, the seat 118 ofthe carrier 110 defines a fourth aperture 212 adjacent the first end 126of the first container 112. In the illustrated example, the coupling 210extends from beneath the platform 104 in the orientation of FIG. 2through the fourth aperture 212 to engage the first container 112. Asdescribed in greater detail below in conjunction with FIG. 8, thecoupling 210 lifts the first container 112 from the seat 118 to enablethe first container 112 to rotate relative to the carrier 110 about thesecond axis of rotation 144.

The example coupling 210 of FIG. 2 is a male connector to engage afemale connector 214 disposed on the first end 126 of the example firstcontainer 112. In other examples, the male connector 210 and the femaleconnector 214 may be reversed. In the illustrated example, the malecoupling 210 includes a shaft 216 having protrusions 218, and theexample female connector 214 includes a post 220 having notches 222 toreceive the protrusions 218 of the shaft 216. In the illustratedexample, the coupling 210 is operatively coupled to a rotation mechanism224 (e.g., a gear). The rotation mechanism 224 is operatively coupled toa drive mechanism (e.g., a motor) (not shown) of the carousel 102.

In some examples, as the carousel 102 rotates the platform 104 about thefirst axis of rotation 106, the rotation mechanism 224 and the coupling210 are rotated about the second axis of rotation 144 to rotate thefirst container 112 about the second axis of rotation 144 relative tothe carrier 110. Thus, in the illustrated example, the coupling 210defines the second axis of rotation 144. In the illustrated example, thesecond axis of rotation 144 is substantially parallel to a longitudinalaxis of the first container 112.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the example cartridge 100 decoupled fromthe carousel 102 of FIGS. 1A-2. In the illustrated example, the carrier110 includes a first handle 300 and a second handle 302 to facilitategrasping, holding, lifting, maneuvering and/or transporting of thecartridge 100 by a human (e.g., manually) and/or a robot. In theillustrated example, a first cap 304 is coupled to the first container112, a second cap 306 is coupled to the second container 114 and a thirdcap 308 is coupled to the third container 116. The caps 304, 306, 308substantially cover and/or seal the throats 203, 205, 206 of thecontainers 112, 114, 116. In some examples, the first container 112, thesecond container 114 and/or the third container 116 are at leastpartially filled with liquid before the cartridge 100 is coupled to thecarousel 102. Thus, the example caps 304, 306, 308 prevent liquid fromflowing out of the containers 112, 114, 116 while the cartridge 100 isbeing lifted, handled, maneuvered, transported, etc. As described ingreater detail below, the example first cap 304 may hold the firstcontainer 112 in a locked position.

FIG. 4 illustrates the example seat 118 of the carrier 110 of FIGS.1A-3. In the illustrated example, the seat 118 includes a supportsurface 400, a first container support 402, a second container support404 and a third container support 406. The second container 114 and thethird container 116 couple to the seat 118 via the second containersupport 404 and the third container support 406, respectively. In theillustrated example, the second container support 404 and the thirdcontainer support 406 include first protrusions 408 (e.g., ridges) andsecond protrusions 410 (e.g., posts). In the illustrated example, whenthe second container 114 and third container 116 are coupled to the seat118, the second container 114 and the third container 116 rest on thesupport surface 400 and engage the first protrusions 408 and the secondprotrusions 410. The first protrusions 408 and the second protrusions410 retain the second container 114 and the third container 116 andsubstantially prevent movement of the second container 114 and thirdcontainer 116 relative to the carrier 110. In other examples, thecarrier 110 employs additional and/or different protrusions, retainingmembers and/or devices to retain the second container 114 and/or thethird container 116.

The example first container support 402 includes a third protrusion 412(e.g., a ridge) to retain the first container 112 and/or substantiallyprevent the first container 112 from rotating relative to the carrier110 when the first container 112 is in the locked position (e.g., annon-rotatable position) (FIG. 5). In the illustrated example, the thirdprotrusion 412 is a ridge having a rounded-rectangular cross-sectionalshape corresponding to the rounded-rectangular shape of the firstcontainer 112. In the illustrated example, the third protrusion 412 israised to a first height relative to the support surface 400 of the seat118. The example first container support 402 also includes an annularridge or collar 414. In the illustrated example, the fourth aperture 212is defined by the first container support 402 and the collar 414 isdisposed on the support surface 400 about the fourth aperture 212. Theexample collar 414 provides a bearing surface, retains, supports,stabilizes, aligns and/or orients the first container 112 duringoperation of the example rotation mechanism 224 and the example carousel102. The example collar 414 is raised to a second height relative to thesupport surface 400 greater than the first height. As described ingreater detail below in conjunction with FIG. 7, when the cartridge 100is placed onto the platform 104, the coupling 210 of the carousel 102engages the first container 112 and lifts the first container 112relative to the support surface 400 of the carrier 110 to an unlockedposition in which the first container 112 is free to rotate via thecoupling 210.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first end 126 of the examplefirst container 112 when the first container 112 is in the lowered orlocked position. In the illustrated example, the cartridge 100 isdecoupled from the carousel 102 (e.g., during transport of the cartridge100 to the platform 104). In the locked position, a first perimeter edgeor rim 500 of the first container 112 is supported on the supportsurface 400 of the carrier 110. The first rim 500 of the first container112 engages the third protrusion 412 such that the third protrusion 412substantially prevents the first container 112 from rotating relative tothe carrier 110 (e.g., the third protrusion 412 obstructs rotation ofthe first container 112). Thus, in the illustrated example, the firstcontainer 112 is non-rotatably coupled to the carrier 110 when the firstcontainer 112 is in the locked position. In some examples, a shape andsize of the first rim 500 of the first container 112 substantiallyconforms to the shape of the third protrusion 412. In the illustratedexample, the female connector 214 of the first container 112 is disposedin a space defined by the collar 414 (e.g., the fourth aperture 212),and the collar 414 is received in a groove 501 of the first container112.

The example second container 114 includes a second rim 502 and a secondgroove 503. In the illustrated example, the second rim 502 engages thefirst protrusions 408 and the second protrusions 410 of the secondcontainer support 404 to couple the second container 114 non-rotatablyto the carrier 110. The example third container 116 includes a third rim504 and a third groove 506. In the illustrated example, the firstprotrusions 408 and the second protrusions 410 of the third containersupport 406 are disposed in the third groove 506 and engaged with thethird rim 504 of the third container 116 to couple the third container116 non-rotatably to the carrier 110.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the B-B line of FIG. 3 of thesecond end 132 of the first container 112 when the first container 112is in the locked position. The example first cap 304 of FIG. 5 extendsinto the first aperture 138 of the cover 124 and is coupled to thethroat 203 of the first container 112. The example first cap 304includes a sealing portion 600 to cover 124 and/or seal the throat 203of the first container 112. In the illustrated example, the first cap304 includes a handle 602 coupled to the sealing portion 600. The handle602 facilitates handling of the first cap 304, coupling and decoupling(e.g., removal) of the first cap 304 to the first container 112, etc.

When the first container 112 is coupled to the carrier 110 and the firstcap 304 is coupled to the first container 112, the first cap 304 engages(e.g., contacts) the cover 124 to substantially hold or retain the firstcontainer 112 in the locked position. In the illustrated example, afourth protrusion 606 extends from the sealing portion of the first cap304. The example fourth protrusion 606 extends radially from acircumferential surface 608 of the sealing portion 600. The examplecover 124 of the example carrier 110 includes a lip 610 extending into aportion of the first aperture 138. In the orientation of FIG. 6, thefirst cap 304 is in a first position such that the fourth protrusion 606is disposed underneath the lip 610. Thus, when the first cap 304 is inthe first position, the fourth protrusion 606 engages the lip 610 tosubstantially prevent the first container 112 from moving parallel tothe second axis of rotation 144 relative to the carrier 110. Forexample, the fourth protrusion 606 may contact the lip 610 to preventthe first container 112 from being lifted above the third protrusion 412(FIG. 5). Thus, in the illustrated example, the first cap 304 holds thefirst container 112 in engagement with the third protrusion 412, therebyretaining the first container 112 in the locked position.

Removal of the example first cap 304 enables the first container 112 tomove from the lowered or locked position (FIG. 5) to a raised orunlocked position (FIG. 7) in which the first container 112 may rotaterelative to the carrier 110. To remove the example first cap 304 of FIG.6 from the first container 112, the first cap 304 is rotated until thefourth protrusion 606 is aligned in a notch or space 612 of the firstaperture 138 clear of the lip 610 of the cover 124 (e.g., a slot incommunication with the first aperture 138). The first cap 304 may thenbe removed from the first container 112 (e.g., via the handle 602). Asdescribed in greater detail below, when the first container 112 is inthe unlocked position, the first container 112 can be lifted from thesupport surface 400 to enable rotation of the first container 112relative to the carrier 110. The second cap 306 and the third cap 308operate similarly to secure the second container 114 and the thirdcontainer 116, respectively and to secure the position of cover 124.

FIG. 7 illustrates the example first container 112 in the unlockedposition. In the illustrated example, the cartridge 100 is coupled tothe carousel 102, and the first cap 304 is removed from the firstcontainer 112. The example coupling 210 of the carrier 110 extendsthrough the fourth aperture 212 and moves (e.g., lifts or raises) thefirst container 112 along the second axis of rotation 144. In theillustrated example, the coupling 210 moves the first container 112 to athird height greater than the first height of the third protrusion 412(FIGS. 4 and 5) and less than the second height of the collar 414. Whenthe example first container 112 is lifted to the third height, the firstrim 500 of the first container 112 disengages the third protrusion 412.As a result, the first container 112 is free to rotate about the secondaxis of rotation 144 (e.g., the third protrusion 412 does not obstructrotation of the first container 112). In the illustrated example, thefemale connector 214 remains in the space defined by the collar 414 whenthe first container 112 is moved to the unlocked position. In someexamples, as the first container 112 rotates relative to the carrier110, the female connector 214 of the first container 112 and the collar414 function as a bearing.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the example first container 112 ofFIGS. 1A-7 taken along the C-C line of FIG. 1A. In the illustratedexample, the first container 112 includes a first sidewall 800, a secondsidewall 802, a third sidewall 804 and a fourth sidewall 804. The firstsidewall 800 is opposite the second sidewall 802. In the illustratedexample, the first sidewall 800 includes a first rib 808 extendingtoward the second sidewall 802. The example second sidewall 802 includesa second rib 810 extending toward the first sidewall 800. The examplefirst rib 808 and the example second rib 810 extend along the firstsidewall 800 and the second sidewall 802, respectively, substantiallyparallel to the second axis of rotation 144. In the illustrated example,the first rib 808 and the second rib 810 are each disposed approximatelyequidistant from the third sidewall 804 and the fourth sidewall 806. Thefirst rib 808 and the second rib 810 illustrated in FIG. 8 are merelyexamples. Thus, the first rib 808 and/or the second rib 810 may haveother orientations, shapes, sizes, etc. in other examples. In someexamples, the first sidewall 800 and/or the second sidewall 802 mayinclude other numbers of ribs (e.g., 0, 2, 3, etc.). In addition, insome examples, one or more ribs may extend only partially down a wall,in an angled orientation relative to the second axis of rotation 144and/or closer to one of the end walls 804, 806 than the other.

The example first container 112 has a rounded-rectangular shape. In theillustrated example, the first sidewall 800 is substantially parallel tothe second sidewall 802. The example first sidewall 800 includes a firstflat or planar portion 812, and the example second sidewall 802 includesa second flat or planar portion 814 parallel to the first planar portion812. In the illustrated example, the third sidewall 804 is opposite thefourth sidewall 806 and the third sidewall 804 and the fourth sidewall806 are curved. In the illustrated example, the third sidewall 804 andthe fourth sidewall 806 curve outwardly relative to the longitudinalaxis of the first container 112. In the illustrated example, a firstdistance between the first sidewall 800 and the second sidewall 802 isless than a second distance between the third sidewall 804 and thefourth sidewall 806. In other examples, the first distance is greaterthan or equal to the second distance. In some examples, the firstcontainer 112 has a depth (e.g., a distance from an outermost point ofthe first sidewall 800 to an outermost point on the second sidewall 802)of about 20 millimeters and a width (e.g., a distance from an outermostpoint on the third sidewall 804 to an outmost point on the fourthsidewall 806) of about 36 millimeters. Other examples have otherdimensions. In other examples, the first container 112 has other shapessuch as, for example, rectangular, square, cylindrical, triangularand/or other suitable shape(s) or combination of shape(s).

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the example first container 112 ofFIGS. 1A-8 taken along the D-D line of FIG. 3 and removed from thecartridge 100. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the example firstcontainer 112 taken along the B-B line of FIG. 3, similar to FIG. 6, butshowing the full length of the first container 112. Referring to FIG. 9,the example first container 112 includes a bottom wall 900 and a topwall 902 opposite the bottom wall 900. The example top wall 902 iscoupled to the first sidewall 800, the second sidewall 802, the thirdsidewall 804 and the fourth sidewall 806. In the illustrated example,the top wall 902 is substantially planar. The throat 203 extendsupwardly from the example top wall 902 in the orientation of FIG. 9. Inthe illustrated example, a height of the first container 112 excludingthe throat 203 and the first cap 304 (e.g., from an outermost point ofthe first rim 500 to an outmost point on the top wall 902) is about 94millimeters. Other examples may include heights.

The example bottom wall 900 of FIG. 9 is coupled to the first sidewall800, the second sidewall 802, the third sidewall 804 and the fourthsidewall 806. In the illustrated example, the bottom wall 900 is bowedor curved away from the top wall 902 about a first axis passing throughthe first sidewall 800 and the second sidewall 802. Thus, the bottomwall 900 is convex when viewed from outside of the container 112 (e.g.,from the bottom exterior of the container 112) or concave when viewedfrom inside of the container 112. The example bottom wall 900 is alsobowed or curved away from the top wall 902 about a second axis passingthrough the third sidewall 804 and the fourth sidewall 806. Thus, theexample bottom wall 900 forms a bowl-like structure.

In some examples, the first container 112 is at least partially filledwith a reagent including solid particles (e.g., latex coatedparamagnetic particles). Some of the particles in the liquid may settleand rest on the bottom wall 900 (e.g., during transport of the cartridge100 to the carousel 102). During operation of the carousel 102, thefirst container 112 moves about the first axis of rotation 106 (e.g., inthe back-and-forth motion) and the second axis of rotation 144 toagitate the liquid and/or disperse the particles in the liquid. Forexample, when the first container 112 is moved via the carousel 102,curvatures of the bottom wall 900 direct the liquid and/or the particleson or near the bottom wall 900 to move (e.g., flow) toward the top wall902, thereby agitating the liquid and dispersing the particles. Further,movement of the sidewalls 800, 802, 804, 806, the first rib 808 and/orthe second rib 810 with and/or relative to the liquid agitates theliquid and disperses the particles. In some examples, the firstcontainer 112 agitates the liquid such that the particles aresubstantially uniformly dispersed within the liquid during operation ofthe carousel 102.

FIGS. 11-12 illustrate the first container 112 having an alternativebottom wall 1100 disclosed herein. FIG. 11 is a perspective,cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the first container 112showing the example bottom wall 1100. In the illustrated example, thesidewalls 800, 802, 804, 806, the top wall 902 and the bottom wall 1100define a cavity 1101 to receive and hold liquid. In the illustratedexample, the bottom wall 1100 includes a basin or concave portion 1102(when viewed from inside the container 112) extending from firstsidewall 800 to the second sidewall 802 and from the third sidewall 804to the fourth sidewall 806. The example concave portion 1102 bowsoutward away from the top wall 902 about a first axis 1104 and a secondaxis 1106 (e.g., axes perpendicular to each other and to the second axisof rotation 144). In some examples, the concave portion 1102 is abowl-like or semispherical structure.

The example bottom wall 1100 also includes a bulge or protrusion 1108extending from a first side 1110 of the bottom wall 1100 toward the topwall 902 (e.g., extending into the cavity 1101). In the illustratedexample, the post 220 of the female connector 214 is aligned with theprotrusion 1108 and depends from a second side 1112 of the bottom wall1100 opposite the first side 1110. In the illustrated example, theprotrusion 1108 is a convexity (e.g., a rounded or curved protrusion orbulge) having a crest or apex 1114. Thus, the example bottom wall 1100of FIG. 11 includes the concave portion 1102 and a convex portion (e.g.,the example protrusion 1108). In other examples, the protrusion 1108 hasother shapes (e.g., cone-shaped, pyramid -shaped, etc.). The exampleprotrusion 1108 of FIG. 12 has a first radius of curvature and theexample concave portion 1102 has a second radius of curvature. In theillustrated example, the first radius of curvature is less than thesecond radius of curvature. Also, in the illustrated example, the firstradius of curvature and the second radius of curvature of disposed inopposite directions.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the example bottom wall 1100 of FIG. 11. In theillustrated example, the protrusion 1108 has a substantially circularbase 1200 disposed on a center 1202 of the bottom wall 1100. In theillustrated example, the center 1202 of the bottom wall 1100 is alongthe second axis of rotation 144. Thus, when the example first container112 rotates about the second axis of rotation 144, the bottom wall 1100rotates about the second axis of rotation 144. The apex 1114 of theexample protrusion 1108 is also disposed on the center 1202 of thebottom wall 1100 and, thus, the apex 1114 is disposed along the secondaxis of rotation 144 in the illustrated example. As a result, theprotrusion 1108 slopes downward from the second axis of rotation 144.

When the example first container 112 rotates about the second axis ofrotation 144, particles disposed in a liquid in the first container 112along the second axis of rotation 144 may experience little or nocentrifugal force. As a result, these particles may settle onto or nearthe protrusion 1108 of the bottom wall 1100. In the illustrated example,when the particles settle onto the protrusion 1108 of the bottom wall1100, the particles slide and/or roll on the protrusion 1108 away fromthe apex 1114. As a result, the particles move toward the sidewalls 800,802, 804, 806 where centrifugal force facilitates uniform dispersion ofthe particles in the liquid.

A flowchart representative of an example method is shown in FIG. 13.Although the example process is described with reference to theflowchart illustrated in FIG. 13, many other methods may alternativelybe used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may bechanged, and/or some of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated,or combined.

The method of FIG. 13 begins at block 1302 by lowering the firstcontainer 112 into a first position to couple the first container 112non-rotatably to the carrier 110. For example, the first container 112of FIGS. 1A-12 may be lowered onto the first container support 402 ofthe seat 118 of the carrier 110. In some such examples, first container112 engages a first portion of the carrier 110 and a second portion ofthe carrier 110 in the first position. For example, the first rim 500engages the third protrusion 412, and the female connector 214 engagesthe collar 414. In some examples, the first cap 304 is coupled to thefirst container 112 to hold or retain the first container 112 in thefirst position.

At block 1304, the second container 114 is non-rotatably supported onthe carrier 110. In some examples, the second container 114 is couplednon-rotatably to the second container support 404 via the firstprotrusions 408 and the second protrusions 410 of the second containersupport 404. In some examples, the third container 116 is alsonon-rotatably supported on the carrier 110 via the first protrusions 408and the second protrusions 410 of the third container support 406.

At block 1306, the first container 112 is lifted from the first positionto a second position in which the first container 112 is disengaged fromthe first portion of the carrier 110 while engagement with the secondportion of the carrier 110 is maintained. For example, the firstcontainer 112 may be lifted to the third height from the supportingsurface by the example coupling 210 of the carousel 102. When thecartridge 100 is coupled to the carousel 102, the coupling 210 extendsinto the fourth aperture 212 and lifts the first container 112 to thethird height. When the first container 112 is lifted to the thirdheight, the first rim 500 disengages the third protrusion 412 and thefemale connector 214 is disposed in the space defined by the collar 414.

At block 1308, the first container 112 is rotated (e.g., oscillatedand/or spun) about an axis of rotation. In some examples, the firstcontainer 112 is rotated about the first axis of rotation 106 with theplatform 104 and about the second axis of rotation 144 via the coupling210. At block 1310, contents of the first container 112 are mixed. Forexample, liquid and/or particles in the container are agitated by theplanar portions of the first side-wall 800 and/or the second sidewall802. In some examples, the contents of the first container 112 are alsomixed by a bottom protrusion of the container such as, for example, theprotrusion 1108 of the bottom wall 1100 of FIGS. 11 and 12. In someexamples, the contents of the first container 112 are mixed such thatthe particles are substantially uniformly dispersed in the liquid in thefirst container 112.

Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacturehave been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is notlimited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods,apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope ofthe claims of this patent.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: lifting a container, coupledat a top and a bottom of the container to a carrier, from a firstposition in which the container is rotatably coupled to the carrier anda second position in which the container is non-rotatably coupled to thecarrier; and rotating the container, when the container is the secondposition, about an axis of rotation to mix contents of the container. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein the container is a first container,further including non-rotatably supporting a second container on thecarrier while rotating the first container.
 3. The method of claim 1,further including lowering the container to the first position tonon-rotatably couple the container to the carrier.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, further including removing a cap from the container to enablethe container to move from the first position to the second position. 5.The method of claim 1, wherein the axis of rotation is a first axis ofrotation, further including rotating the carrier on a carousel about asecond axis of rotation while the container is rotating about the firstaxis of rotation.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein lifting thecontainer includes engaging a shaft with the bottom of the container. 7.The method of claim 6, wherein a base of the carrier includes anopening, and wherein lifting the container includes inserting the shaftthrough the opening to engage the bottom of the container.
 8. The methodof claim 7, wherein the shaft is coupled to a rotation mechanism of acarousel, and wherein inserting the shaft through the opening includesplacing the carrier on the carousel such that the shaft extends throughthe opening to engage the bottom of the container.
 9. The method ofclaim 8, wherein rotating the container includes rotating the shaft, viathe rotation mechanism, while the shaft is engaged with the bottom ofthe container.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the container includesa post extending from the bottom of the container, the post defining anotch, and the shaft having a protrusion to extend into the notch. 11.The method of claim 1, wherein, in the first position, a rim of thecontainer is engaged with a ridge of the carrier and a groove of thecontainer is engaged with a collar of the carrier and, in the secondpositon, the rim is disengaged from the ridge and the groove is engagedwith the collar, and wherein the ridge extends from a base of thecarrier a first distance and the collar extends from the base a seconddistance greater than the first distance.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein lifting the container includes moving the container a thirddistance from the base of the carrier, the third distance between thefirst distance and the second distance.
 13. The method of claim 1,wherein the container contains a liquid reagent with paramagneticparticles, further including suspending the paramagnetic particles whenthe container is rotated.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein thecontainer includes a throat extending from the top of the container,wherein the carrier includes a cover that is disposed over at least aportion of the top of the container, and wherein the cover includes anopening to receive the throat of the container.
 15. The method of claim14, further including sliding the throat in the opening of the coverwhen lifting the container from the first position to the secondposition.
 16. The method of claim 14, further including rotating thethroat in the opening.
 17. A method comprising: placing a reagentcartridge onto a carousel in an automated diagnostic analyzer, thereagent cartridge including a carrier supporting a container havingliquid to be used in the automated diagnostic analyzer; moving thecontainer from a first position in which the container is non-rotatablycoupled to the carrier to unlocked second positon in which the containeris rotatably coupled to the carrier; and rotating the container, whilethe container is in the second position, to mix contents of the liquidin the container.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein moving thecontainer from the first position to the second position includeslifting the container away from a base of the carrier.
 19. The method ofclaim 17, wherein, in the first position, a rim of the container isengaged with a ridge of the carrier and a groove of the container isengaged with a collar of the carrier and, in the second positon, the rimis disengaged from the ridge and the groove is engaged with the collar.20. The method of claim 17, wherein rotating the container includesrotating the container in a back-and-forth movement between a firstdirection and a second direction opposite the first direction.